Accra: Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has endorsed the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, slated for July 1, 2025. He highlighted the significance of July 1, the Republic Day, as a pivotal moment in Ghana’s history, marking the day the nation appointed its first president and formally became a Republic.
According to Ghana News Agency, the endorsement was given on Friday during a visit by a delegation of the Planning Committee of the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving to Kufuor’s residence. The visit aimed to seek his blessings, brief him on the upcoming event, and formally invite him. The National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving is designed to unite Christians, Muslims, and other religious groups under the theme: ‘Reflect, Reset, and Renew for National Prosperity.’
The program includes a Christian segment at the forecourt of the State House from 0800 hours to 1000 hours, followed by Muslim prayers at the National Mosque from 1230 hours to 1400 hours. Former President Kufuor expressed his support for the initiative by President John Dramani Mahama, emphasizing its timeliness and commendable nature in promoting inclusive prosperity. He remarked on the importance of thanking the Almighty for Ghana’s progress and seeking guidance for future prosperity across all 16 regions.
Kufuor also addressed the significance of July 1 as a day of national reflection and gratitude, noting that it marked Ghana’s affirmation of independence and sovereignty. He emphasized the essence of governance being centered on upholding human dignity and the secondary nature of differences in ethnicity or religion to shared humanity. Kufuor remarked, ‘All humans are inherently entitled to respect and sovereignty, as all authority originates from the people, especially in a constitutional democracy.’
Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, the Chairman of the Committee, stressed the spiritual and national significance of the day, stating that a country develops not solely through economics or infrastructure but through the strength of its people. The event will not only be held in Accra but will also be replicated in all 16 regions and 266 districts. The initiative underscores the President’s recognition of divine guidance in Ghana’s journey, particularly during times of global unrest, as the country continues to enjoy peace and relative stability.
Mr. Ankrah addressed the inclusivity of the program, inviting people of all faiths and even those without religious affiliations to join in introspection. He stated, ‘Whether you’re a Christian, Muslim, or you don’t even believe in anything, you have to reflect on why you were born in Ghana and not in Gaza or Sudan. We are here by grace, and that day is about acknowledging that.’